Under-15-year-old drove stolen car fleeing police in Jämsänkoski
An under-15-year-old is suspected of stealing two cars and fleeing police in Jämsänkoski on Sunday. Police stopped the vehicle by boxing it in at an intersection.
Boxing-in manoeuvre stopped juvenile driver at Jämsänkoski intersection
According to Voice.fi, an under-15-year-old is suspected of stealing two motor vehicles and fleeing police in Jämsänkoski on the evening of Sunday, 11 October.
According to police, the young person abandoned the first stolen car after a short drive and took a second motor vehicle. Police caught up with the driver in Jämsänkoski town centre and attempted to stop them by displaying a stop signal, but the young person fled.
During the pursuit, the young person drove at considerably excessive speed and partially used cycle paths as well. As the situation progressed towards a busier town centre area, police decided to stop the car by boxing it in with a police vehicle. According to police, the forced stop occurred at low speed.
Investigation chief, crime inspector Lassi Suoranta, states in a police statement that the situation could have resulted in very serious consequences. At the time of the incident, the town centre was crowded with young people spending their autumn break.
After the stop, the young person attempted to flee on foot but halted at police command. Emergency medical personnel examined them, and no need for treatment was established. The driver's breath test exceeded the drink-driving limit. During the pursuit, the second stolen vehicle sustained damage, as did the front of the police car.
Police suspect the young person of two counts of motor vehicle theft, aggravated endangerment of traffic safety, driving without authorisation, drink-driving, and violent resistance to a public official.
The under-15-year-old is not criminally responsible, but police will continue to investigate the events in a preliminary inquiry. A child protection report will be made and the guardians will be informed of what occurred. Police do not intend to provide further information on the matter.
Source: Google News FI — Crime (fi)